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30 November 2012

Government launches new app aimed at separating parents

The Government has launched a web app, called "Sorting out Separation", which offers parents advice and shows where they can access further support. It is, claims the government, a “one-stop-shop for any parent going through a separation”. Emma Alfieri reports.

The Department for Work & Pensions press release details a YouGov poll out on 29 November 2012 (commissioned by the DWP) which found that 300,000 families experience separation every year. The poll also found that around five million parents have gone through separation and further that over four million children now live in separated families – which is, it states, equal to a third of children in Britain.

Work and Pensions Minister, Steve Webb, said “The app covers everything from how to avoid a separation to coping with the emotional impact of breaking up, accessing legal or housing support and arranging child maintenance. The Department for Work and Pensions worked closely with the Department for Education and Ministry of Justice in developing the new service, in conjunction with the voluntary and community sector. It forms part of a £20m fund announced earlier this year to help support separating parents”.

Emma Alfieri from our family law team comments: “This app has no doubt been developed in light that legal aid funding for most family law cases will come to end in April next year. Whilst the app will be an informative tool for parents, it is certainly no substitute for taking specialist legal advice, which is always recommended on separation”.

Emma joined Steeles Law in May 2004 and specialises in family law matters. She is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

Emma deals with a wide range of family matters including divorce and associated financial matters, disputes between unmarried couples, dissolution of civil partnerships and the preparation of pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements. As well as dealing with issues involving children including disputes regarding residence and contact.

Emma’s approach is to listen carefully to what her clients want, supporting and advising them through their problems, whilst also working hard to reach the best possible outcome in a cost effective and timely manner. Many of Emma’s cases settle without any court involvement. She achieves this by encouraging a non-confrontational approach and by aiming to build good working relationships.

Often she is praised by clients for her approachability and efficiency.

Diss

London

Steeles and the symbol are registered trademarks of Steeles Law Solicitors Limited authorised, regulated and licensed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as an Alternative Business Structure (ABS). SRA number 592311. Steeles Law Solicitors Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales registered no. 08294222. Registered office: Lawrence House, 5 St Andrews Hill, Norwich NR2 1AD. A full list of directors is available from the registered office.